For the August edition of the Red Bull’s curated, monthly Sound Select showcase, tonight, Aug. 14 at Exit/In, the energy drink maker turned tastemaker has tapped one of Nashville’s most fun, epic live acts, The Protomen! The operatic rock outfit will be joined by Denver duo In the Whale and local party rocker Ri¢hie, and, per usual, tickets are just $3 with an RSVP. That RSVP guarantees your price, but not admission, so show up early and secure your spot; there’s absolutely no doubt this is going to fill up!
THE PROTOMEN
What started as a retro operatic rock outfit dedicated to composing concept albums loosely based on the Mega Man video game series (yes, really), Nashville/Murfreesboro rockers The Protomen have evolved to become something so much bigger. One of the best live acts in Music City, bar none, the band have, over the past decade, diverted course to release things like an incredible tribute to Queen, among others, and, most recently, a unbelievably well-curated covers album called The Cover Up. Prepping a return to their original, operatic motif, the band are working on Act III, their first numbered album in over five years, and, while its release date is currently unknown, we’ll get a taste tonight in the form of new single “This City Made Us.” In character and in costume, The Protomen always deliver one of the most unforgettable, ’80s tinged, nerd friendly rock shows around, and you should absolutely never miss a chance to see them.
IN THE WHALE
Denver based duo In the Whale have been winning over fans for the last four years, propelled by their high energy spirits, indie/punk/alternative sound, prolific output, and engaging live shows. Falling somewhere in the realm of Murder by Death meets Jet, the group make a ton of noise for just two bodies, and, while pretty sonically different from the evening’s headlines, they should be a fun addition to this bill!
RI¢HIE
We’ve watched party rocker Ri¢hie go from satire to a seriously good (if not super serious) live act over the past few years, often performing in some manor of themed costume, backed by a pretty solid set of dudes from other local bands, and always operating at the highest level of energy imaginable. Though it feels like it’s been a minute since he’s dropped any new tunes, Ri¢hie remains a dependable live staple, and you should definitely show up early to catch him!
The Protomen, In the Whale, and Ri¢hie will perform tonight, Aug. 14 at Exit/In. The show is 18+, begins at 9 p.m. (doors at 8 p.m.), and tickets are available for $3 with RSVP.